BATANGAS CITY – Batangas State University (BatStateU), The Philippines’ National Engineering University further expands its international linkages as it seals partnership with the Indian Maritime University (IMU) to strengthen academic cooperation in various marine-related programs on November 9, 2022.
Initiated by the Embassy of India to the Philippines led by His Excellency Shambhu S. Kumaran, the partnership between the two Universities was formalized through the Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU concretized the strong commitment of BatStateU-The NEU and IMU to work collaboratively and establish academic cooperation through academic exchanges, collaborative research projects, co-hosting of conferences, and other mutually beneficial activities in the areas of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Port Management, and Marine Biodiversity.
BatStateU-The NEU President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo warmly welcomed everyone at the ceremony and expressed his enthusiasm about the possible collaboration between the two universities. He hoped that IMU would work co-actively with BatStateU pertaining to research protection, conservation and strategic management of the marine biodiversity in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) as one of the legal mandates of BatStateU as the National Engineering University. Dr. Ronquillo also extended his message of gratitude to H.E Shambhu S. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, for always bringing new and numerous opportunities to the University.
BatStateU-The NEU, as the Philippine’s largest provider of engineering education recently offered BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering as one of the emerging engineering programs. All these, coupled with the University’s firm commitment to protect, conserve, and strategically manage the marine biodiversity in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) are seen instrumental by the institution to successfully develop professional graduates ready for entry as active participants and competent leaders in the industrialized world.
Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University, Dr. Malini V. Shankar, I.A.S. (Retd.) conveyed through a video message her gratitude to BatStateU and Embassy of India to the Philippines for making the partnership possible. “I wish that this MoU becomes a building block for our engagement in the international community especially in the Asian region and thereby promote South-South cooperation”, she added.
IMU is a central university in India which deals with a wide range of topics related to the sea which is intended to fulfill the requirements of the Maritime Sector of India. Composed of six campuses, IMU is poised to play a key role in the development of trained human resources for the maritime sector.
“I am looking forward to this partnership being reinforced as soon as possible. We will help to facilitate and promote maritime studies, training, research and extension work focusing on emerging areas of studies like oceanography, maritime history and laws, security and other related fields. ”,as H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran ended his closing remarks.
The MoU signing was also graced by Ms. Pooja Vernekar, the First Secretary of Embassy of India to the Philippines and BatStateU-The NEU officials including the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Charmaine Rose I. Triviño, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Assoc. Prof. Albertson D. Amante, Vice President for Administration and Finance Atty. Luzviminda C. Rosales, Vice President for Development and External Affairs Atty. Noel Alberto S. Omandap, and the Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Reynato A. Gamboa.
This initiative, as one among the valuable partnerships that BatStateU has inked, is responsive to the attainment of SDGs 4: Quality Education, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; 14: Life below Water; and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Undoubtedly, BatStateU-The NEU continues to shape the history of the country’s engineering education by leading innovations, transforming lives, and building the nation.
